Five ways to move when interests don’t align
Perfect is a trap. Movement needs mess
Working in complexity doesn’t require a perfect plan. It requires movement. And that starts with a single step. But in many collaborations, nothing happens. Not because people don’t care — but because priorities clash, structures get in the way, and no one knows how to start. When consensus feels out of reach, what you need is a way to work that allows for difference and direction. Here are five building blocks that help:
1. Start with the differences
Before you can move toward shared goals, you need to understand what matters to each player. Different language. Different stakes. Different fears. Name them. Surface them. Not to fix — but to take seriously. What stays unspoken will stay stuck.
2. Design for lightness and flexibility
Forget rigid structures. Build temporary teams around real challenges. Define roles, not job titles. Work with self-organization, not top-down control. Structure should help, not hold back. People step up when they feel both freedom and clarity.
3. Decide without getting stuck
Waiting for full consensus slows everything down. Use consent: if no major objections, move forward. It’s inclusive, fast, and keeps momentum alive — even for the quiet voices in the room. Real inclusion means hearing more than just the loudest voices.
4. Focus on what really matters
Break big ambitions into small, visible steps. Show progress early, even if it’s imperfect. Use flexible budgets to keep space for iteration and change. You don’t find direction first. You find it by moving
5. Build in learning from day one
Make reflection part of the rhythm. Share what’s working — and what isn’t. Learning isn’t an afterthought. It’s how long-term success gets built. What you learn along the way is just as important as what you deliver
There’s no perfect moment to start
So start now. Start small. Make it real. Make it together. We’ll help you make that first step work — for people, for outcomes, and for what truly matters.